Lisa Januario, director of ECD Upliftment Projects in Walkerville, was recognised on August 15 as one of South Africa’s Top 100 Men and Women at the annual Influential Awards held at Gold Reef City.

The Top 100 Influential Awards celebrate leaders who are shaping South Africa across business, education and community development.

Januario received the Influential Award for her outstanding contribution to the education sector, particularly in Early Childhood Development compliance and professionalisation.

Since 2012, Januario has led a consultancy that specialises in ECD compliance, business structuring and town planning, helping centre owners navigate complex regulations, achieve registration and build sustainable enterprises.

Her work is described as a cornerstone in the upliftment and professionalisation of the ECD sector in South Africa.

What sets her apart, the citation noted, is her ability to translate complicated legislation into practical, actionable steps.

Rather than simply advising, she equips, guides and walks the journey with clients to ensure they move from uncertainty to full legal operation, meeting national standards.

Her influence extends beyond her consultancy.

Januario has presented at major summits, including the City of Johannesburg Compliancy Summit and the City of Ekurhuleni Early Childhood Development Summit.

She has served as a mediator in the Bridge Quality Toolkit Pilot Project, as a panellist at the Bridge National ECD Community of Practice, and has assisted in rolling out the National Curriculum Framework in Gauteng.

Most recently, she partnered with the Gauteng Department of Education on the rollout of the Bana Pele ECD registration drive.

Recognition for her trailblazing work has followed her for years.

In 2023, her company was voted Best Town Planning Compliance Company in Johannesburg by BUILD Magazine.

She is also an APPISA Certified Property Inspector and holds SACE accreditation.

In 2008, she received the Humanitarian Award from Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for work in Klipspruit, and a decade later was honoured with a Long Service Award in the ECD sector.